Hailing from sunny Newport Beach, California, Chase Wilson began surfing at a young age and eventually pursued a career as a professional surfer, which took him all over the world before he returned to his roots by the beach. Ultimately, his passion for surfing eventually led to his next pursuit—the creation of BYRD, a successful line of men’s grooming products that are inspired by the “gentleman surfer” with a nod to classic ‘60s surf culture.

“I was inspired to start BYRD after spending pretty much all my time surfing,” says Wilson. "I tried out numerous hair products that would keep my hair styled all day with my active lifestyle. I found that there wasn’t one that existed so I set out to create my own. Fun fact: the first few batches of our original pomade were made in my family’s kitchen. Sorry Mom, for all those ruined Crock-Pots!”

Several years after launching BYRD, Wilson opened his first barbershop in 2017. The BYRD’s Nest in Newport Beach is a neighborhood barbershop with a modern touch that reflects the brand’s classic roots while offering clients the opportunity to experience BYRD first-hand in a relaxing sanctuary. Their menu of services includes grooming and beauty treatments for men and women, including blow-drys, haircuts, styling, and shaves—in addition to kid’s cuts.

“Professional surfing taught me discipline, creativity, and how to market myself as a brand,” says Wilson. “Even though I put a pin in my surfing career and turned my undivided attention to BYRD, surfing is where I have made so many valuable relationships and connections. It will forever be a huge part of my life.”

We chatted with Wilson, who shared the inspiration behind his unique grooming brand and Southern California-based barbershops, his passion for surfing, and more.

When did you start surfing and what do you love about it?

I started surfing around the time I was 8-years-old and have been hooked ever since. As a kid, my parents couldn’t keep me out of the water, whether it was a pool or the ocean. There is something about catching the perfect ride that always keeps me coming back to surfing. It also one of the best ways to clear your mind and leave whatever stress you’re dealing with that day on the beach.

When was BYRD founded and what does the name mean?

BYRD was founded in 2012 and the name was inspired by my nickname, “Big Bird,” which started during my surf team days in high school. I guess you can say the name always stuck!

Tell us more about your line of products and what makes them special.

At BYRD, we value the importance of a first impression. With a sense of purpose in mind, we aim to elevate the grooming experience by creating unique, premium, clean-label products made in California. Our products are not developed in a cubicle—they are tested and refined at our flagship barbershop, The BYRD’s Nest, and around the globe. Leading active lifestyles in the sun, salt, and surf, we ensure our formulas utilize as many natural ingredients as possible to keep our Flock looking and feeling their best.

What’s your hero/best-selling product?

Our community can’t get enough of BYRD’s Texturizing Surfspray, which is a styling spray that adds the perfect amount of volume, grit, and beachy texture for an effortless surfer look. This sea salt spray can be worn by itself or cocktailed with our best-selling Matte Pomade for a more polished look.

Where are your products sold?

Find us on our website, Amazon or select CVS stores nationwide. We are also sold in select barbershops and boutiques both in the US and globally.

What made you decide to open a barbershop?

We wanted to create an environment for our customers to experience the BYRD brand first-hand while getting an amazing haircut or shave in the process. I’ve always dreamed of opening up our first flagship retail shop. A sanctuary of sorts inspired by the gentleman surfer where one can get a fresh haircut, sip on a coffee or beer, and shop the latest collection from BYRD. It was a natural move for us and further strengthened our roots in hair care and grooming.

When did you open your first barbershop?

We planted our flag in Newport Beach and opened up our first barbershop in August 2017. This year we recently opened our second location in West Hollywood right on Sunset Boulevard to service our LA Flock!

What kind of experience do your barbershops offer clients?

Most barbershops I have been to evoke this unapproachable, tough guy attitude the minute you walk in. The Byrd’s Nest has a completely different vibe. We aim to create an approachable, laidback experience with a familiar sense of family and community. Our barbers and stylists are highly experienced in all things hair, and keep our clients looking and feeling their best every time they walk out the door.

What’s next for the brand?

At BYRD, I am really excited about our future and the direction of the brand. As I have evolved in my career and grown in my personal life, BYRD has come a long way too. We have our sights set on global expansion, more Byrd’s Nest locations, and continually listening to our customers to expand our offerings with amazing products in hair, body, and grooming categories. We also see an opportunity for a women’s line for the BYRD babes in our lives—stay tuned!

For more information and to purchase, visit byrdhair.com and follow them on Instagram: @byrdhair

[Images courtesy of BYRD Hairdo Products]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk